Alec Baldwin's talk show suspended following chaotic week

Actor Alec Baldwin demands from the police to lay assault charges against Linda Schmidt of FOX TV (unseen) in regards to what his wife Hilaria Thomas said was an altercation involving her and Schmidt on Thursday, outside his apartment in New York November 15, 2013. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri

Alec Baldwin's week turned from bad to worse on Friday when his talk show was suspended after he used homophobic language during a confrontation with a photographer.

The 30 Rock star has been involved in several altercations with members of the press after actress Genevieve Sabourin was convicted of stalking him in a New York City court earlier this week.

On Thursday, he lost his cool with one paparazzo who he claimed got too close to his wife Hilaria and baby daughter Carmen, growling at them to get away from his family before using a homophobic slur.

Following an outcry from gay rights advocates, Baldwin issued an apology over his remark, while bosses at MSNBC have scrapped episodes of his Up Late show from their schedules for the next two weeks.

A statement from Baldwin reads, "I did not intend to hurt or offend anyone with my choice of words, but clearly I have - and for that I am deeply sorry. Words are important. I understand that, and will choose mine with great care going forward. What I said and did this week, as I was trying to protect my family, was offensive and unacceptable. Behavior like this undermines hard-fought rights that I vigorously support. I understand 'Up Late' will be taken off the schedule for tonight and next week.

"I want to apologize to my loyal fans and to my colleagues at msnbc - both for my actions and for distracting from their good work. Again, please accept my apology."

Sabourin has been sentenced to seven months behind bars, including 30 days for contempt of court, after being found guilty of stalking and harassing Baldwin.